Dual pump configuration for fluid transfer and metering

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a primer pump having a pneumatic power inlet, a fluid inlet coupled to receive a fluid from a fluid source and a fluid outlet to output the fluid in response to a pressure at the fluid outlet being less than a pressure at the pneumatic power inlet. The apparatus includes a liquid additive pump having a fluid inlet coupled to the fluid outlet of the primer pump to receive the fluid, wherein the primer pump is to apply a positive pressure at the fluid inlet of the liquid additive pump.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure generally relates to the field of fluid transfer, andmore particularly to a dual pump configuration for fluid transfer andmetering.

Metered pump configurations include one or more pumps to provide forfluid transfer and metering of fluid flow volume. Precise metering ofthe fluid can be needed in certain applications. For example, fluidbeing transferred through a pump can be a chemical fluid that serves asone of the inputs into a system that produces a fracturing fluid usedfor hydraulic fracturing to stimulate production of oil and gas wells.The composition of these fracturing fluids needs to include preciseamounts of the various inputs (e.g., chemicals, proppants, etc.) inorder to be effective during downhole fracturing operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure may be better understood by referencingthe accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a system that includes a dual pumpconfiguration, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of a system application that includesa dual pump configuration, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of operations for creating and operating adual pump configuration, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of operations to validate operations of theliquid additive pump of the dual pump configuration, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic diagram of a wellbore and a surface wellborefluid treatment system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts an example computer device, according to someembodiments.

DESCRIPTION

The description that follows includes example systems, methods,techniques, and program flows that enmbody aspects of the disclosure.However, it is understood that this disclosure may be practiced withoutthese specific details. For instance, this disclosure refers to a systemapplication to stimulate oil and gas production. But aspects of thisdisclosure can be also applied to various other types of applicationsthat include a dual pump configuration for fluid transfer and metering.In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not beenshown in detail in order not to obfuscate the description.

Some embodiments include a dual pump configuration for fluid transferand metering. The dual pump configuration can include a liquid additivepump for introducing liquids into a fluid flow and a primer pump thatcharges or primes the liquid additive pump. The primer pump can be nearthe fluid source that includes the fluid to be transferred to the liquidadditive pump. Thus, the primer pump can serve as a transfer pump forfluid transfer to the liquid additive pump. Because of the transferpump, the distance of the liquid additive pump can thus be farther fromthe fluid source.

The liquid additive pump can be various types of a positive displacementpump. The primer pump can also provide positive pressure at the inlet ofthe liquid additive pump. In some applications, the liquid additive pumpcan introduce a chemical liquid into a blender that combines variousliquids, proppants (e.g., sand), etc. to create a fracking fluid to beused for hydraulic fracturing to simulate production of existing oil andgas wells.

Such a dual pump configuration ensures that the liquid additive pump isprimed and metering accurately even in systems in which the fluid sourceis a large distance from the liquid additive pump. The primer pump canbe different types of pumps that charges or primes the liquid additivemetering pump. Examples of the primer pump can include an Air-OperatedDouble Diaphragm (AODD) pump, centrifugal pump, etc.

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a system that includes a dual pumpconfiguration, according to some embodiments. FIG. 1 depicts a system100 that includes a dual pump configuration comprised of a pneumaticallypowered primer pump 104 (hereinafter referenced as the primer pump 104)and a liquid additive pump 108. The system also includes a fluid source102, a compressed air source 106, a flowmeter 110, and a computer device120. An outlet of the fluid source 102 is connected to a fluid inlet ofthe primer pump 104. A fluid outlet of the primer pump 104 is connectedto a fluid inlet of the liquid additive pump 108. A fluid outlet of theliquid additive pump 108 is connected to a fluid inlet of the flowmeter110. A fluid outlet of the flowmeter 110 outputs the fluid. Output ofthe fluid from the flowmeter 110 can be used for various applications.For example, the fluid output from the flowmeter 110 can be received byan inlet of a blender that is to output a hydraulic fracturing fluid. Inanother example, the fluid output from the flowmeter 110 can be inputinto another pump (e.g., centrifugal pump) for further fluid transfer.While depicted such that the flowmeter 110 is connected to the fluidoutlet of the liquid additive pump 108, in some embodiments, theflowmeter can be connected at any point after the fluid is output fromthe fluid outlet of the primer pump 104. For example, the flowmeter 110can be connected between the fluid outlet of the primer pump 104 and thefluid inlet of the liquid additive pump 108.

A power inlet of the primer pump 104 is connected to the compressed airsource 106. The primer pump 104 can be other types of pneumaticallypowered pumps. For example, the primer pump 104 can be pneumaticallypowered piston-driven pump. In some other embodiments, the primer pump104 can be powered by hydraulics, electricity, etc. For example, theprimer pump 104 can be a centrifugal pump.

The primer pump 104 can include a cycle counter 114 that iscommunicatively coupled to the computer device 120. The flowmeter 110 isalso communicatively coupled to the computer device 120. The computerdevice 120 can be local or remote to the primer pump 104 and theflowmeter 110. For example, the computer device 120 can be remote suchthat the computer device 120 is communicatively coupled to the cyclecounter 114, and the flowmeter 110 via one or more networks. An exampleof the computer device 120 is depicted in FIG. 6, which is furtherdescribed below.

In some embodiments, the primer pump 104 is an AODD pump. In someapplications, the fluid source 102 is a chemical tank having a chemicalfluid for the hydraulic fracturing. The chemical tank can also be alarge distance (e.g., 100 feet, 200, feet, 500 feet, etc.) from thelocation where the chemical fluid is metered and subsequently input intoa blender for producing the hydraulic fracturing fluid. In operation,the primer pump 104 is pneumatically powered using the compressed airfrom the compressed air source 106. The primer pump 104 can beconfigured to boost the flow of liquid from the fluid source 102 at apressure that is essentially equal to the amount of air pressure inputfrom the compressed air source 106 used to pneumatically power theprimer pump 104. As shown, a fluid flow 122 is output from the primerpump 104 to an inlet of the liquid additive pump 108. This fluid flow122 from an outlet of the primer pump 104 to an inlet of the liquidadditive pump 108 results in a positive pressure to be applied at theinlet of the liquid additive pump 108. This positive pressure applied atthe inlet of the liquid additive pump 108 causes the liquid additivepump 108 to be primed for operation. In some embodiments, the positivepressure can be a pressure that is greater than a net positive suctionhead (NPSH) required. In some embodiments, NPSH required refers to theamount of pressure the pump needs to see to pump fluid withoutcavitation. If NPSH required is too low, the pump will not move fluid.The purpose of the charged fluid is to raise the NPSH available at theinlet of the pump.

The liquid additive pump 108 can then be electrically or hydraulicallypowered on from an electrical power source not shown in FIG. 1. Theliquid additive pump 108 can be any type of positive displacement pump.The liquid additive pump 108 can be configured to hold backpressure fromthe fluid received from the primer pump 104 without leaking.

In operation, the primer pump 104 can output a set amount of volumeduring each pump cycle. The cycle counter 114 of the primer pump 104 cantrack the number of pump cycles of the primer pump 104. For example, thecycle counter 114 can be incremented each time a pump cycle is performedby the primer pump 104 to output fluid from its outlet. The liquidadditive pump 108 can be coupled to electrical controls (not shown) tocontrol operations (e.g., start, stop, etc.) of the liquid additive pump108. Once started, the liquid additive pump 108 pumps the liquidreceived from the primer pump 104 out to the flowmeter 110. Theflowmeter 110 can be a magnetic flowmeter, a Coriolis flowmeter, etc.The flowmeter 110 can monitor the volume flow of the liquid as theliquid flows through the flowmeter 110.

The primer pump 104 can be self-regulated. For example, if the liquidadditive pump 108 stalls or is not operational, the conduit between theprimer pump 104 and the liquid additive pump 108 primes up to thepressure used to power the primer pump 104. In turn, the primer pump 104stalls until the liquid additive pump 108 resumes operation. Inparticular, if the pressure at the fluid outlet of the primer pump 104is less than the pressure at the pneumatic power inlet, fluid flows fromthe fluid outlet. However, once the fluid outlet pressure reaches thepneumatic power inlet pressure at the primer pump 104, the primer pump104 stalls. Because the primer pump 104 can be self-regulated controlsare needed to operate the primer pump 104. Accordingly, as configured,operation of the primer pump 104 precludes dry operation of the liquidadditive pump 108.

FIG. 1 is annotated with a series of letters A-C. These lettersrepresent operational stages. Although these stages are ordered for thisexample, the stages illustrate one example to aid in understanding thisdisclosure and should not be used to limit the claims. Subject matterfalling within the scope of the claims can vary with respect to theorder and some of the operations.

At stage A, the computer device 120 receives a total liquid volume for adefined time period from the flowmeter 110. For example, the computerdevice 120 can query the flowmeter 110 for the total liquid volume thatthe flowmeter 110 measured for a given time period (e.g., one second,two seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, one minute, etc.). For instance,the computer device 120 can query the flowmeter 110 on a periodic basis.

At stage B, the computer device 120 receives a total number of pumpcycles for the same defined time period from the cycle counter 114. Thecomputer device 120 can also query the cycle counter 114 for the totalnumber of pump cycles of the primer pump 104 for the given time period.The computer device 120 can also query the flowmeter 110 on a periodicbasis. The computer device 120 determines or retrieves a liquid volumeper pump cycle for the primer pump 104. For example, the computer device120 can retrieve a liquid volume per pump cycle for tins particularprimer pump from a database stored on a local or remote machine-readablemedium. For instance, the computer device 120 can retrieve a liquidvolume per pump cycle from a database based on the manufacturer andmodel number for the primer pump 104, in some embodiments, the computerdevice 120 can receive the liquid volume per pump cycle for the printerpump via User input (e.g., input from field personnel).

At stage C, the computer device 120 validates volume output from theliquid additive pump 108. The computer device 120 can determine thetotal volume being pumped by the primer pump 104 for a defined timeperiod by multiplying the liquid volume per pump cycle for the primerpump 104 by the number total number of pump cycles tracked by the cyclecounter 114 for that defined time period. The computer device 120 canthen compare this total volume being pumped by the primer pump 104 for adefined time period (total volume A) to the total volume measured by theflowmeter 110 during the same defined time period (total volume B). Ifthe difference between total volume B and total volume A is less than afluid differential threshold, the computer device 120 validates that thevolume output from the liquid additive pump 108 is in an acceptablerange. Thus, the liquid additive pump 108 is considered to be properlycalibrated and functional.

If the difference between total volume B and total volume A is greaterthan a fluid differential threshold, the computer device 120 invalidatesthe volume output from the liquid additive pump 108. The fluiddifferential threshold can vary depending on one or more of the type offluid, the type of the primer pump 104, the type of the liquid additivepump 108, the amount of air pressure to power the primer pump 104,length of the conduit from the fluid source 102 and the primer pump 104,length of the conduit from the primer pump 104 to the liquid additivepump 108, etc.

In response to the volume output from the liquid additive pump 108 notbeing validated, the computer device 120 can perform any of a number ofoperations. For instance, the computer device 120 can transmit anotification of the potential issue to field personnel and/or personnelnot on site. The computer device 120 can activate an alarm (visual,audio, etc.). In some embodiments, the volume flow can be adjusted toattempt to resolve this issue. For example, the amount of volume perunit of time being pumped by the liquid additive pump 108 can beadjusted (e.g., reduce or increase). In some situations, thenotification or alarm can stall the operations of the pumps. Fieldpersonnel can also attempt to resolve by changing either or both of theprimer pump 104 and the liquid additive pump 108. Additionally, fieldpersonnel can attempt to resolve the issue by stopping the pumpoperations and cleaning the conduits (as further described below).

The dual pump configuration of FIG. 1 can also include another point ofvalidation of the liquid additive pump 108. For example, the liquidadditive pump 108 can include a tachometer to measure the number ofrevolutions of the motor of the liquid additive pump for the given timeperiod. Also, the amount of volume pumped for a liquid additive pump fora given revolution canoe known based on the type (manufacturer, model,etc.) of the pump. The computer device 102 can be communicativelycoupled to the tachometer of the liquid additive pump 108. Accordingly,the computer device 120 can validate the total volume for the given timeperiod by multiplying the number of revolutions by the amount of volumepumped for a given revolution for the given time period. The totalvolume derived from the measurement by the tachometer can be defined astotal volume C. The total volume C then be compared to the total volumeA and the total volume B (see above) for validation of properoperations. For example, if two of the three total volumes fall within athreshold and the third falls outside the threshold, the deviceassociated with the third total volume that falls outside the thresholdis defined to be faulty. For example, assume total volume A (associatedwith the primer pump 104) and total volume C (associated with thetachometer of the liquid additive pump 108) fall within a threshold andthat total volume B (associated with the flowmeter 110) falls outsidethe threshold, in this example, the flowmeter 110 is defined as faulty.

In some embodiments, the system 100 does not include the flowmeter 110.Accordingly, total volume C (associated with the tachometer of theliquid additive pump 108) can be compared with total volume A((associated with the primer pump 104), if the difference between totalvolume C and total volume A is less than a fluid differential threshold,the computer device 120 validates that the volume output from the liquidadditive pump 108 is in an acceptable range. Thus, the liquid additivepump 108 is considered to be properly calibrated and functional.

Operations depicted as being performed by the computer device 120 can beperformed by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. Forexample, these operations can be performed by a processor(s) executinginstructions stored in machine-readable media in the computer device120.

At least some of the operations depicted in the stages A-C can beperformed at least partially in parallel and/or in a different order.For example, operations at stage A can be performed at least partiallyin parallel with operations at stage B. Also, operations at stage B canbe performed prior to operations at stage A.

If the primer pump 104 is an AODD pump, the primer pump 104 can operatedry without damage. Therefore, after the pumping operations are completeand as part of the cleaning operation, operation of the primer pump 104can be reversed to pump remaining unused fluid hack to the fluid 102.This can include the fluid in the conduit from the primer pump 104 tothe liquid additive pump 108, the chemical fluid in the AODD pump, andthe fluid in the conduit from the primer pump 104 back to the fluidsource 102. This reverse operation of the primer pump 104 allows unusedfluids in the conduits and the primer pump 104 to not be wasted. Also,the reverse operation of the primer pump 104 reduces the likelihood thatthese fluids are spilled. Such cleaning operations can be particularlyuseful in applications where the fluids can be toxic. Also, thesecleaning operations reduce the likelihood of environmental impact orunnecessary exposure to personnel in applications where the fluids aretoxic.

In some embodiments, electrical control is provided to the liquidadditive pump 108. However, as described above, the primer pump 104 canbe self-regulated, thereby removing the need to have an electricalcontrol for the primer pump 104. Thus, in some embodiments, the primerpump 104 is pneumatically powered (instead of being powered electricallyor hydraulically). Additionally, because in some embodiments, the primerpump 104 needs to be only pneumatically powered, the primer pump 104 isnot necessarily confined to a particular location. Rather, the primerpump 104 along with a compressed air source can be mobile and locatedwhere needed. For example, as described above, the primer pump 104 andthe fluid source 102 can be remote from the wellsite for applicationsfor hydraulic fracturing. Because the primer pump 104 can bepneumatically powered, there can be less environmentally impact if thereis an air leak. Also, because the liquid additive pump 108 is primed bythe primer pump 104 and supplied with the fluid via a closed system,there can be reduced maintenance and downtime in comparison toconfigurations wherein the liquid additive pump can run div if theliquid additive pump does not remain primed.

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of a system application that includesa dual pump configuration, according to some embodiments. FTC. 2 depictsa schematic diagram of at least part of a surface wellbore fluidtreatment (SWFT) system 200 that includes a dual pump configuration. TheSWFT system 200 outputs a hydraulic fracturing fluid 220 to be inputinto a wellbore for downhole fracturing operations. An example wellboreapplication using the SWFT system 200 is depicted in FIG. 5, which isfurther described below.

The SWFT system 200 includes the dual pump configuration as depicted inFIG. 1, which comprises the primer pump 104 and the liquid additive pump108. In this example, the liquid additive pump 108 and the compressedair source 106 are part of a blender 202. Also in this example, chemicaltotes 208 are the fluid source that is to supply a chemical fluid forpumping by the dual pump configuration.

Output from the chemical totes 208 is connected to the fluid inlet ofthe primer pump 104 via a chemical hose 203. The fluid outlet of theprimer pump 104 is connected to the fluid inlet of the liquid additivepump 108 via a chemical hose 204. The power inlet of the primer pump 104is connected to the compressed air source 106 via an air hose 206.Although not shown, the blender 202 can include the flowmeter 110 thatis to receive the chemical fluid prior to the chemical fluid being inputinto the blender 202. Additionally, the primer pump 104 can include thecycle counter 114, and the computer device 120 can be communicativelycoupled to the flowmeter 110 and the cycle counter 114 (as depicted inFIG. 1).

Fluid flow operations of the SWFT system 200 are similar to the fluidflow operations described above in reference to FIG. 1. The chemicalfluid flows from the chemical totes 208 to the primer pump 104 via thechemical hose 203. After being pneumatically powered from the airsupplied from the compressed air source 106 via the air hose 206, theprimer pump 104 pumps the chemical fluid to the liquid additive pump 108via the chemical hose 204, in response, the chemical hose 204 primes upto the pressure used to power the primer pump 104. In turn, the primerpump 104 stalls until the liquid additive pump 108 is in operation. Inparticular, the primer pump 104 can stall until a difference between apressure at the outlet of the primer pump 104 and the pressure at theinlet of the primer pump 104 exceeds a pressure differential threshold.Once started, the liquid additive pump 108 pumps the chemical liquidreceived from the primer pump 104 out from its outlet. The chemicalfluid output from the liquid additive pump 108 can flow through aflowmeter (as described above in reference to FIG. 1) prior to beinginput into an inlet of the blender 202.

The blender 202 receives the chemical fluid from the liquid additivepump 108 and proppants 218. The blender 202 blends the chemical fluidwith the proppants 218 to form the hydraulic fracturing fluid 220. Theblender 202 outputs the hydraulic fracturing fluid 220. In someembodiments, the blender 202 can be two blending units connected inseries. The first blending unit can add a gelling agent to the chemicalfluid received front the liquid additive pump 108. The second blendingunit can then add a proppant to this combination of the gelling agentand the chemical fluid.

In some instances, the SWFT system 200 is used at a wellsite where thereis limited space around the wellhead. The blender 202 can be closelypositioned near the wellhead, while the chemical totes 208 can be remotefrom the wellhead. The primer pump 104 can be added proximate to thechemical totes 208. Thus, a length of the chemical hose 204 can belonger than a length of the chemical hose 203. For example, a ratio of alength of the chemical hose 204 to a length of the chemical hose 203 canbe 20:1, 25:1, 30:1, 40:1, etc. For instance, a length of the chemicalhose 204 can be 100 feet, while a length of the chemical hose 203 can bemuch shorter (e.g., five feet).

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of operations for creating and operating adual pump configuration, according to some embodiments. Operations of aflowchart 300 are described in reference to the system 100 of FIG. 1.The operations of the flowchart 300 start at block 302.

At block 302, a fluid inlet of a primer pump is connected to a fluidoutlet of a fluid source via a fluid conduit. For example, withreference to the system 100 of FIG. 1, a fluid outlet of the fluidsource is connected to a fluid inlet of the primer pump 104.

At block 304, a pneumatic power inlet of the primer pump is connected toa pneumatic power source. For example, with reference to the system 100of FIG. 1, the pneumatic power inlet of the primer pump 104 is connectedto the compressed air source 106.

At block 306, a fluid outlet of the primer pump is connected to a fluidinlet of a liquid additive pump. For example, with reference to thesystem 100 of FIG. 1, the fluid outlet of the primer pump 104 isconnected to the fluid inlet of the liquid additive pump 108.

At block 308, a fluid outlet of the liquid additive pump is connected toa fluid inlet of a flowmeter. For example, with reference to the system100 of FIG. 1, the fluid outlet of the liquid additive pump 108 isconnected to the fluid inlet of the flowmeter 110.

At block 3110, a power inlet of the liquid additive pump is connected toa power source. For example, with reference to the system 100 of FIG. 1,the power inlet of the liquid additive pump 108 can be connected to anelectrical power source.

At block 312, output of compressed air from the pneumatic power sourceto power the primer pump is initiated. For example, with reference tothe system 100 of FIG. 1, the compressed air source 106 can be poweredon to initiate output of compressed air to the primer pump 104. In turn,the fluid flow 122 from the fluid source 102 can be initiated by pumpoperations by the primer pump 104.

At block 314, power is supplied from the power source to the liquidadditive pump. For example, with reference to the system 100 of FIG. 1,a power button on the liquid additive pump 108 can be pressed orselected to power on the liquid additive pump 108. Operations at block312 and 314 are at least some of the operations to initiate fluid flowthrough the dual pump configuration. Other operations can includesupplying power to the flowmeter 110 and the cycle counter 114. If thedual pump configuration is part of a hydraulic fracturing operation,other operations can include supplying power to the blender, supplyingpower to other pumps or devices used to supply various proppants to theblender, etc. Also, if volume output from the liquid additive pump isbeing validated, operations can also include communicatively couplingthe flowmeter 110 and the cycle counter 114 to computer device 120.Additionally, operations for validating the volume output from theliquid additive pump 108 by the computer device 120 are depicted in FIG.4 (described below).

At block 316, a determination is made of whether pumping operations arecomplete. For example, with reference to the system 100 of FIG. 1,pumping operations can be complete after there is no fluid remaining inthe fluid source 102 to pump. In another example, pumping operations canbe completer after a defined time period. For hydraulic fracturingoperations, pumping operations are complete after personnel shut downoutput of hydraulic fracturing fluid being output front the blender. Ifpumping operations are not complete, operations of the flowchart 300remain at block 316 to again determine if pumping operations arecomplete. If pumping operations are complete, operations of theflowchart 300 continue at block 318.

At block 318, the primer pump is reversed to return fluid back to thefluid source that is remaining in the fluid conduit between the liquidadditive pump and the primer pump and the conduit between the primerpump and the fluid source. For example, with reference to the system 100of FIG. 1, the primer pump 104 can reverse its pump operations to pumpthe fluid back to the fluid source 102. This can include the fluidremaining in the conduit between the liquid additive pump 108 and theprimer pump 104, fluid remaining in the primer pump 104, and fluidremaining in the conduit between the primer pump 104 and the fluidsource 102. Operations of the flowchart 300 are then complete.

Operations for validating volume output of the liquid additive pumpduring the pumping operations are now described in reference to FIG. 4.These operations for validating can be performed at least partially inparallel with some of the operations depicted in FIG. 3. For example,these operations for validating can be performed at any point afteroperations at block 312 but prior to pumping operations being completeafter block 316.

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of operations to validate operations of theliquid additive pump of the dual pump configuration, according to someembodiments. A flowchart 400 is described with reference to the system100 of FIG. 1. Operations of the flowchart 400 can be performed bysoftware, firmware, hardware or a combination thereof. Operations of theflowchart 400 can be performed periodically or at any point duringoperation of the dual pump configuration. For example, operations of theflowchart 400 can be performed during a hydraulic fracturing operation,as depicted in FIG. 5, which is further described below. Operations ofthe flowchart 400 start at block 402.

At block 402, a total volume output for a defined time period isreceived from a flowmeter that is connected to a fluid outlet of aliquid additive pump. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, thecomputer device 120 receives a total liquid volume for a defined timeperiod from the flowmeter 110. For example, the computer device 120 canquery the flowmeter 110 for the total liquid volume that the flowmeter110 measured for a given time period (e.g., one second, two seconds, 10seconds, 30 seconds, one minute, etc.). Alternatively, the flowrate canbe transmitted to the computer device 120 in real time. The computerdevice 120 can then determine a total flow volume.

At block 404, a total number of pump cycles for the defined time periodis received from a cycle counter that is counting the number of pumpcycles of a primer pump. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, thecomputer device 120 receives a total number of pump cycles for thedefined time period from the cycle counter 114. The computer device 120can also query the cycle counter 114 for the total number of pump cyclesof the primer pump 104 for the given time period. Alternatively, a pulsegenerator on the primer pump 104, wherein each pulse corresponds to apump cycle. The pulses can then be transmitted in real time to thecomputer device 120. The computer device 120 can then determine thetotal number of pump cycles. Also, while described in reference tomonitoring a full pump cycle, in some embodiments, the primer pump 104can be monitored at a finer resolution. For example, the cycle counter114 can monitor each half pump cycle, each quarter pump cycle, etc.

At block 406, an amount of liquid volume per pump cycle for the primerpump is determined. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, the computerdevice 120 determines or retrieves an amount of liquid volume per pumpcycle for the primer pump 104. For instance, the computer device 120 canretrieve a liquid volume per pump cycle for this particular primer pumpfrom a database stored on a local or remote machine-readable medium. Thecomputer device 120 can retrieve a liquid volume per pump cycle from adatabase based on the manufacturer and model number for the primer pump104. In some embodiments, the computer device 120 can receive an amountof liquid volume per pump cycle for the primer pump 104 via user input(e.g., input from field personnel).

At block 408, a total volume output for the defined time period from thefluid outlet of the primer pump is determined. For example, withreference to FIG. 1, the computer device 120 can determine the totalvolume being pumped by the primer pump 104 for the defined time periodby multiplying the liquid volume per pump cycle for the primer pump 104by the number total number of pump cycles tracked by the cycle counter114 for that defined time period.

At block 410, a determination is made of whether the liquid additivepump is operating correctly. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, thecomputer device 120 can make this determination based on whether volumeoutput front the liquid additive pump 108 is correct. The computerdevice 120 can compare the total volume being pumped by the primer pump104 for the defined time period (total volume. A) to the total volumemeasured by the flowmeter 110 during the same defined time period (totalvolume B). If the difference between total volume B and total volume Ais less than a fluid differential threshold, the computer device 120determines that the liquid additive pump 108 is operating correctly.Operations of the flowchart 400 are complete in this situation. However,if the difference between total volume B and total volume A is greaterthan a fluid differential threshold, the computer device 120 determinesthat the liquid additive pump 108 is operating incorrectly. Operationsof the flowchart 400 continue at block 412 in this situation.

At block 412, action(s) to correct operation of the liquid additivepinup is initiated. One or more actions can be performed. For example,with reference to FIG. 1, the computer device 120 can transmit tinotification of the potential issue to field personnel and/or personnelnot on site. The computer device 120 can activate an alarm (visual,audio, etc.). In some embodiments, the volume flow can be adjusted toattempt to resolve this issue. For example, the amount of volume perunit of time being pumped by the liquid additive pump 108 can beadjusted (e.g., reduce or increase). In some situations, thenotification or alarm can stall the operations of the pumps. Fieldpersonnel can also attempt to resolve by changing either or both of theprimer pump 104 and the liquid additive pump 108. Additionally, fieldpersonnel can attempt to resolve the issue by stopping the pumpoperations and cleaning the conduits/hoses in the dual pumpconfiguration. Operations of the flowchart 400 return back to block 402.

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic diagram of a wellbore and a surface wellborefluid treatment system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 5 depicts anoperating environment that comprises a wellsite 500 that includes awellbore 515 penetrating a subterranean formation 525 for the purpose ofrecovering hydrocarbons, storing hydrocarbons, disposing of carbon,dioxide, injecting wellbore servicing fluids, or the like. FIG. 5 alsodepicts a surface wellbore fluid treatment (SWFT) system 510, a wellboreservicing apparatus 540 (e.g., a downhole tool or apparatus), or acombination thereof may be deployed.

The SWFT system 510 for the treatment of a wellbore servicing fluid(WSF) and/or a component thereof (e.g., water) is deployed at thewellsite 500 and is fluidly coupled to the wellbore 515 via a wellhead560. The wellbore 515 may be drilled into the subterranean formation 525using any suitable drilling technique, in some embodiments, a drillingor servicing rig 530 may generally comprise a derrick with a rig floorthrough which a tubular string 535 (e.g., a drill string; a work string,such as a segmented tubing, coiled tubing, jointed pipe, or the like acasing string; or combinations thereof) may be lowered into the wellbore515. A wellbore servicing apparatus 540 configured for one or morewellbore servicing operations (e.g., a cementing or completionoperation, a clean-out operation, a perforating operation, a fracturingoperation, production of hydrocarbons, etc.) may be integrated withinthe tubular string 535 for the purpose of performing one or morewellbore servicing operations. Additional downhole tools may be includedwith and/or integrated within the wellbore servicing apparatus 540and/or the tubular string 535, for example, one or more isolationdevices 545 (for example, a packer, such as a swellable or mechanicalpacker) may be positioned within the wellbore 515 for the purpose ofisolating a portion of the wellbore 515.

The shilling or servicing rig may be conventional and may comprise amotor driven winch and other associated equipment for lowering, thetubular string 535 and/or wellbore servicing apparatus 540 into thewellborn 515. Alternatively, a mobile workover rig, a wellbore servicingunit (e.g., coiled tubing units), or the like may be used to lower thetubular string 535 and/or wellbore servicing apparatus 540 into thewellbore 515 for the purpose of performing a wellbore servicingoperation.

The wellbore 515 may extend substantially vertically away from theearth's surface 550 over a vertical wellbore portion, or may deviate atany angle from the earth's surface 550 over a deviated or horizontalwellbore portion. Alternatively, portions or substantially all of thewellbore 515 may be vertical, deviated, horizontal, and/or curved, insome instances, a portion of the tabular string 535 may be secured intoposition within the wellbore 515 in a conventional manner using cement555. Alternatively, the tubular string 535 may be partially cemented inwellbore 515. Alternatively, the tubular string 535 may be uneducated inthe wellbore 515. The tubular string 535 can include two or moreconcentrically positioned strings of pipe (e.g., a first pipe stringsuch as jointed pipe or coiled tubing may be positioned within a secondpipe string such as casing cemented within the wellbore). It is notedthat although FIG. 5 may exemplify a given operating environment, theprinciples of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed may besimilarly applicable in other operational environments, such as offshoreand/or subsea wellbore applications.

The SWFT system 510 can be coupled to the wellhead 560 via a conduit565, and the wellhead 560 may be connected to (e.g., fluidly) thetubular siring 535, in various embodiments, the tubular string 535 maycomprise a casing string, a liner, a production tubing, coiled tubing, adrilling string, the like, or combinations thereof. The tubular string5:35 may extend from the earth's surface 550 downward within thewellbore 515 to a predetermined or desirable depth, for example, suchthat the wellbore servicing apparatus 540 is positioned substantiallyproximate to a portion of the subterranean formation 525 to be serviced(e.g., into which a fracture 570 is to be introduced). Flow arrows 580and 575 indicate a route of fluid communication from the SWFT system 510to the wellhead 560 via conduit 565, from the wellhead 560 to thewellbore servicing apparatus 540 via tubular string 535, and from thewellbore servicing apparatus 540 into the wellbore 515 and/or into thesubterranean formation 525 (e.g., into fractures 570). The wellboreservicing apparatus 540 may be configured to perform one or moreservicing operations, for example, fracturing the formation 525,hydrajetting and/or perforating casing (when present) and/or theformation 525, expanding or extending a fluid path through or into thesubterranean formation 525, producing hydrocarbons from the formation525, or other servicing operation. In some embodiments, the wellboreservicing apparatus 540 may comprise one or more ports, apertures,nozzles, jets, windows, or combinations thereof suitable for thecommunication of fluid from a flowbore of the tubular string 535 and/ora flowbore of the wellbore servicing apparatus 540 to the subterraneanformation 525, in some embodiments, the wellbore servicing apparatus 540is actuatable (e.g., opened or closed), for example, comprising ahousing comprising a plurality of housing posts and a sleeve beingmovable with respect to the housing, the plurality of housing portsbeing selectively obstructed or unobstructed by the sliding sieve so asto provide a fluid flowpath to and/or from the wellbore servicingapparatus 540 into the wellbore 515, the subterranean formation 525 orcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the wellbore servicingapparatus 540 may be configurable for the performance of multiplewellbore servicing operations.

In some embodiments, the SWFT system 510 includes the dual pumpconfiguration depicted in FIGS. 1-2 for providing a chemical fluid asinput into a blender that is to output a fracturing fluid for hydraulicfracturing operations downhole via the conduit 565. For example, a WSF,such as a particle (e.g., proppant) laden fluid (e.g., a fracturingfluid), may be introduced, at a relatively high-pressure, into thewellbore 515. The particle laden fluids may then be introduced into aportion of the subterranean formation 525 at a rate and/or pressuresufficient to initiate, create, or extend one or more fractures 570within the subterranean formation 525. Proppants (e.g., grains of sand,glass heads, shells, ceramic particles, etc.) may be mixed with the WSF,for example, so as to keep the fractures open (e.g., to “prop” thefractures) such that hydrocarbons may flow into the wellbore 515 so asto be produced from the subterranean formation 525. Hydraulic fracturingmay create high-conductivity fluid communication between the wellbore515 and the subterranean formation 525, for example, to enhanceproduction of fluids (e.g., hydrocarbons) from the formation.

FIG. 6 depicts an example computer device, according to someembodiments. The computer device includes a processor 601 (possiblyincluding multiple processors, multiple cores, multiple nodes, and/orimplementing multi-threading, etc). The computer device includes memory607. The memory 607 may be system memory (e.g., one or more a cache,SRAM, DRAM, zero capacitor RAM, Twin Transistor RAM, eDRAM, EDO RAM, DDRRAM, EEPROM, NRAM, RRAM, SONOS, PRAM, etc.) or any one or mote of theabove already described possible realizations of machine-readable media.

The computer device also includes a persistent data storage 609. Thepersistent data storage 609 can be a hard disk drive, such as magneticstorage device. The computer device also includes a bus 603 (e.g., PCI,ISA, PCI-Express, HyperTransport® bus, WilliBand® bus, NuBus, etc.) anda network interface 605 (e.g., a Fiber Channel interface, an Ethernetinterface, an internet small computer system interface, SONET interface,wireless interface, etc.).

The computer device also includes a validator 611. The validator 611 canperform validation of operations of the liquid additive pump, asdescribed above. Any one of the previously described functionalities maybe partially for entirely) implemented in hardware and/or on theprocessor 601. For example, the functionality may be implemented with anapplication specific integrated circuit, in logic implemented in theprocessor 601, in a co-processor on a peripheral device or card, etc.Further, realizations may include fewer or additional components notillustrated in FIG. 6 (e.g., video cards, audio cards, additionalnetwork interfaces, peripheral devices, etc.). The processor 601, thenetwork interface 605, and the persistent data storage 609 are coupledto the bus 603. Although illustrated as being coupled to the bus 603,the memory 607 may be coupled to the processor 601.

The flowcharts are provided to aid in understanding the illustrationsand are not to be used to limit scope of the claims. The flowchartsdepict example operations that can vary within the scope of the claims.Additional operations may be performed, fewer operations may beperformed; the operations may be performed is parallel; and theoperations may be performed in a different order. It will be understoodthat at least some of blocks of the flowchart illustrations and/or blockdiagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrationsand/or block diagrams, can be implemented by program code. The programcode may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer,special purpose computer, or other programmable machine or apparatus.

As will be appreciated, aspects of the disclosure may be embodied as asystem, method or program code/instructions stored in one or moremachine-readable media. Accordingly, aspects may take the form ofhardware, software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code,etc.), or a combination of software and hardware aspects that may allgenerally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”The functionality presented as individual modules/units in the exampleillustrations can be organized differently in accordance with any one ofplatform (operating system and/or hardware), application ecosystem,interfaces, programmer preferences, programming language, administratorpreferences, etc.

Any combination of on or more machine readable medium(s) may be utilizedherein. For example, the computer device 120 of FIG. 1 can us anycombination of one or more machine readable medium (s) for storage ofprogram code to validate operations of the liquid additive pump 108,storage of databases that include the amount of volume per pump cyclefor different types of primer pumps, etc. The machine readable mediummay be a machine readable signal medium or a machine readable storagemedium. A machine readable storage medium may be, for example, but notlimited to, a system, apparatus, or device, that employs any one of orcombination of electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared,or semiconductor technology to store program code. More specificexamples (a non-exhaustive list) of the machine readable storage mediumwould include the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk,a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, amagnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing inthe context of this document, a machine readable storage medium may beany tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by orin connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice. A machine readable storage medium is not a machine readablesignal medium.

A machine readable signal medium may include a propagated data signalwith machine readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as past of a earner wave. Such a propagated signal may takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Amachine readable signal medium may be any machine readable medium thatis not a machine readable storage medium and that can communicate,propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a machine readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable. RF, etc., or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing. Computer program code for carving out operations foraspects of the disclosure may be written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as the Java® programming language, C++ or the like; adynamic programming language such as Python; a scripting language suchas Perl programming language or PowerShell script language; andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The program codemay execute entirely on a stand-alone machine, may execute in adistributed manner across multiple machines, and may execute on onemachine while providing results and or accepting input on anothermachine.

The program code/instructions may also be stored in a machine readablemedium that can direct a machine to function in a particular manner,such that the instructions stored in the machine readable medium producean article of manufacture including instructions which implement thefunction/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

While the aspects of the disclosure are described with reference tovarious implementations and exploitations, it will be understood thatthese aspects are illustrative and that the scope of the claims is notlimited to them. In general, techniques a dual pump configuration asdescribed herein may be implemented with facilities consistent with anyhardware system or hardware systems. Many variations, modifications,additions, and improvements are possible.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a primer pump having apneumatic power inlet, a fluid inlet coupled to receive a fluid from afluid source and a fluid outlet to output the fluid in response to apressure at the fluid outlet being less than a pressure at the pneumaticpower inlet. The apparatus can also include a liquid additive pumphaving a fluid inlet coupled to the fluid outlet of the primer pump toreceive the fluid, wherein the primer pump is to apply a positivepressure at the fluid inlet of time liquid additive pump. The primerpump can be a pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump. Thepneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump cab include a cycle counterthat is to increment a counter value after at least one of each pumpcycle and each half pump cycle. The pneumatically powered, dualdiaphragm pump can output a pump cycle volume of the fluid through thefluid outlet for at least one of each pump cycle and each half pumpcycle. A computer device can be communicatively coupled to theapparatus, wherein the computer device comprises a processor and amachine-readable medium having program code executable by the processorto cause the computer device to determine a volume output from the fluidoutlet of the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump during adefined time period based on the counter value and the pump cycle volumeof the fluid in at least each pump cycle and each half pump cycle. Theapparatus can further include a flowmeter that is coupled to receive thefluid being output from the fluid outlet of the primer pump, wherein theflowmeter is to measure a volume output from the fluid outlet of theprimer pump during the defined time period. Also, the program codecomprises program code executable by the processor to cause the computerdevice to validate operation of at least one of the liquid additive pumpand, the flowmeter, in response to a difference between the volumeoutput from the fluid outlet of the pneumatically powered, dualdiaphragm pump and the volume output measured by the flowmeter duringthe defined time period being within a volume differential threshold.

The pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump can include in a pulsegenerator to generate a pulse after each pump cycle, wherein thepneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump is to output a pump cyclevolume of the fluid through the fluid outlet for each pump cycle. Acomputer device can be communicatively coupled to the apparatus, whereinthe computer device comprises a processor and a machine-readable mediumhaving program code executable by the processor to cause the computerdevice to determine a volume output from the fluid outlet of thepneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump based on a number of pulsesgenerated and the pump cycle volume of the fluid in each pump cycle. Theapparatus can further include a flowmeter that is coupled to receive thefluid being output from the fluid outlet of the primer pump, wherein theflowmeter is to measure a volume output from the fluid outlet of theprimer pump. The program code can comprise program code executable bythe processor to cause the computer device to validate operation of atleast one of the liquid additive pump and the flowmeter, in response toa difference between the volume output from the fluid outlet of thepneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump and the volume outputmeasured by the flowmeter being within a volume differential threshold.

In some embodiments, a system includes a pneumatically powered plumphaving a pneumatic power inlet, a fluid inlet coupled to receive achemical fluid front a chemical fluid source and a fluid outlet tooutput the chemical fluid in response to a pressure at the fluid outletbeing less than a pressure at the pneumatic power inlet. The system caninclude a blender that comprises a liquid additive pump having a fluidinlet coupled to the fluid outlet of the pneumatically powered pump toreceive the chemical fluid, wherein the pneumatically powered pump is toapply a positive pressure at the fluid inlet of the liquid additivepump. The blender can also include a plurality of inlets, wherein one ofthe plurality of inlets is coupled to a fluid outlet of the liquidadditive pump to receive the chemical fluid. The blender can alsoinclude an outlet to output a hydraulic fracturing fluid via a conduitfor a downhole hydraulic fracturing operation. The pneumatically poweredpump can be a pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump. Thepneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump can include a cycle counterthat is to increment a counter value after at least one of each pumpcycle and each half pump cycle, wherein the pneumatically powered, dualdiaphragm pump is to output a pump cycle volume of the chemical fluidthrough the outlet for at least one of each pump cycle and each halfpump cycle. The system can also include a computer device that iscommunicatively coupled to the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragmpump. The computer device can include a processor and a machine-readablemedium having program code executable by the processor to cause thecomputer device to determine a volume output from the fluid outlet ofthe pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump during a defined timeperiod based on the counter value and the pump cycle volume of thechemical fluid in at least one of each pump cycle and each half pumpcycle. The system can include a flowmeter that is coupled to receive thefluid being output from the fluid outlet of the pneumatically powered,dual diaphragm pump, wherein the flowmeter is to measure a volume outputfrom the fluid outlet of the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pumpduring the defined time period. In the system, the machine-readablemedium comprises program code executable by the processor to cause thecomputer device to validate operation of at least one of the liquidadditive pump and the flowmeter, in response to a difference between thevolume output from the fluid outlet of the pneumatically powered, dualdiaphragm pump and the volume output measured by the flowmeter duringthe defined time period being within a volume differential threshold.

In the system, the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump caninclude a pulse generator to generate a pulse after each pump cycle,wherein the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump is to output apump cycle volume of the fluid through the fluid outlet for each pumpcycle. The system can include a computer device that comprises aprocessor and a machine-readable medium having, program code executableby the processor to cause the system to determine a volume output fromthe fluid outlet of the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump basedon a number of pulses generated and the pump cycle volume of the fluidin each pump cycle. The system can also include a flowmeter that iscoupled to measure a volume output from the fluid outlet of thepneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump. The program code can includeprogram code executable by the processor to cause the system to validateoperation of at least one of the liquid additive pump and the flowmeter,in response to a difference between the volume output from the fluidoutlet of the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump and the volumeoutput measured by the flowmeter being within a volume differentialthreshold.

In some embodiments, a method includes connecting a fluid inlet of adual diaphragm pump to a chemical fluid source with a first fluidconduit. The method can also include connecting a fluid outlet of thedual diaphragm pump to a fluid inlet of a liquid additive pump with asecond fluid conduit. The method can include connecting a fluid outletof the liquid additive pump to a fluid inlet of a blender. The methodcan also include connecting an outlet of the blender to a tubular stringin a wellbore with a third fluid conduit. The method can also includeinitiating a hydraulic fracturing operation of the wellbore using ahydraulic fracturing fluid that is output from the blender and that isbased, at least in part, on a chemical fluid from the chemical fluidsource received via a fluid outlet of the liquid additive pump.Initiating of the hydraulic fracturing operation can include pneumaticpowering of the dual diaphragm pump through a pneumatic power inlet ofthe dual diaphragm pump, wherein in response to pneumatic powering ofthe dual diaphragm pump and in response to a pressure at the fluidoutlet of the dual diaphragm pump being less than a pressure at thepneumatic power inlet, the chemical fluid flows from the fluid outlet ofthe dual diaphragm to the fluid inlet of the liquid additive pump toprime the liquid additive pump. Initiating of the hydraulic fracturingoperation can also include powering the liquid additive pump, wherein inresponse to powering the liquid additive pump, the chemical fluid isoutput from the liquid additive pump and into a fluid inlet of theblender. Initiating of the hydraulic fracturing operation can includepowering the blender to output the hydraulic fracturing fluid from theoutlet of the blender. The dual diaphragm pump can include a cyclecounter, wherein the method can include communicatively coupling thecycle counter to a computer device. The method can also includeconnecting a flowmeter to receive fluid output from the fluid outlet ofthe dual diaphragm pump and communicatively coupling the flowmeter tothe computer device. The method can also include retrieving, by thecomputer device, a counter value of the cycle counter during a definedtime period and a pump cycle volume of the chemical fluid in each pumpcycle of the dual diaphragm pump. The method can then includedetermining, by the computer device, a first volume output from thefluid outlet of the dual diaphragm pump during the defined time periodbased on the counter value and the pump cycle volume of the chemicalfluid in each pump cycle of the dual diaphragm pump. The method can alsoinclude measuring by the flowmeter, a second volume output from thefluid outlet of the dual diaphragm rump during the defined time period.The method can include retrieving, by the computer device, the secondvolume output. The method can also include validating, by the computerdevice, operation of at least one of the liquid additive pump and theflowmeter is response to a difference between the first volume outputand the second volume output being within a volume differentialthreshold.

The dual diaphragm pump can include a pulse generator to generate apulse after each pump cycle, wherein the method includes communicativelycoupling the pulse generator to a computer device and connecting aflowmeter to receive fluid output from the fluid outlet of the dualdiaphragm pump. The method can also include communicatively coupling theflowmeter to the computer device, and receiving, by the computer device,a number of pulses from the pulse generator and a pump cycle volume ofthe chemical fluid in each pump cycle of the dual diaphragm pump. Themethod can include determining, by the computer device, a first volumeoutput from the fluid outlet of the dual diaphragm pump based on thenumber of pulses and the pump cycle volume of the chemical fluid in eachpump cycle of the dual diaphragm pump. The method can include measuring,by the flowmeter, a second volume output from the fluid outlet of thedual diaphragm pump and receiving, by the computer device, the secondvolume output. The method can include validating, by the computerdevice, operation of the liquid additive pump, in response to adifference between the first volume output and the second volume outputbeing within a volume differential threshold.

Plural instances may be provided for components, operations orstructures described herein as a single instance. Finally, boundariesbetween various components, operations and data stores are somewhatarbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context ofspecific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionalityare envisioned and may fall within the scope of the disclosure. Ingeneral, structures and functionality presented as separate componentsin the example configurations may be implemented as a combined structureor component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as asingle component may be implemented as separate components. These andother variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fallwithin the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a primer pump having apneumatic power inlet, a fluid inlet coupled to receive a fluid from afluid source and a fluid outlet to output the fluid in response to apressure at the fluid outlet being less than a pressure at the pneumaticpower inlet; and a liquid additive pump having a fluid inlet coupled tothe fluid outlet of the primer pump to receive the fluid, wherein theprimer pump is to apply a positive pressure at the fluid inlet of theliquid additive pump.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the primerpump is a pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump.
 3. The apparatusof claim 2, wherein the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pumpincludes a cycle counter that is to increment a counter value after atleast one of each pump cycle and each half pump cycle, and wherein thepneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump is to output a pump cyclevolume of the fluid through the fluid outlet for at least one of eachpump cycle and each half pump cycle.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3,wherein a computer device is communicatively coupled to the apparatus,wherein the computer device comprises, a processor; and amachine-readable medium having program code executable by the processorto cause the computer device to determine a volume output from the fluidoutlet of the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump during adefined time period based on the counter value and the pump cycle volumeof the fluid in at least each pump cycle and each half pump cycle. 5.The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: a flowmeter that iscoupled to receive the fluid being output from the fluid outlet of theprimer pump, wherein the flowmeter is to measure a volume output fromthe fluid outlet of the primer pump during the defined time period. 6.The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the program code comprises programcode executable by the processor to cause the computer device tovalidate operation of at least one of the liquid additive pump and theflowmeter, in response to a difference between the volume output fromthe fluid outlet of the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump andthe volume output measured by the flowmeter during the defined timeperiod being within a volume differential threshold.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump includesa pulse generator to generate a pulse after each pump cycle, and whereinthe pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump is to output a pump cyclevolume of the fluid through the fluid outlet for each pump cycle,wherein a computer device is communicatively coupled to the apparatus,wherein the computer device comprises, a processor; and amachine-readable medium having program code executable by the processorto cause the computer device to determine a volume output front thefluid outlet of the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump based ona number of pulses generated and the pump cycle volume of the fluid ineach pump cycle, wherein the apparatus further comprises a flowmeterthat is coupled to receive the fluid being output from the fluid outletof the primer pump, wherein the flowmeter is to measure a volume outputfrom the fluid outlet of the primer pump; and wherein the program codecomprises program code executable by the processor to cause the computerdevice to validate operation of at least one of the liquid additive pumpand the flowmeter, in response to a difference between the volume outputfrom the fluid outlet of the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pumpand the volume output measured by the flowmeter being within a volumedifferential threshold.
 8. A system comprising: a grammatically poweredpump having a pneumatic power inlet, a fluid inlet coupled to receive achemical fluid from a chemical fluid source and a fluid outlet to outputthe chemical fluid in response to a pressure at the fluid outlet beingless than a pressure at the pneumatic power inlet; and a blendercomprising, a liquid additive pump having a fluid inlet coupled to thefluid outlet of the pneumatically powered pump to receive the chemicalfluid, wherein the pneumatically powered pump is to apply a positivepressure at the fluid inlet of the liquid additive pump; a plurality ofinlets, wherein one of the plurality of inlets is coupled to a fluidoutlet of the liquid additive pump to receive the chemical fluid; and anoutlet to output a hydraulic fracturing fluid via a conduit for adownhole hydraulic fracturing operation.
 9. The system of claim 8,wherein the pneumatically powered pump is a pneumatically powered, dualdiaphragm pump.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the pneumaticallypowered, dual diaphragm pump includes a cycle counter that is toincrement a counter value after at least one of each pump cycle and eachhalf pump cycle, and wherein the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragmpump is to output a pump cycle volume of the chemical fluid through theoutlet for at least one of each pump cycle and each half pump cycle. 11.The system of claim 10, further comprising a computer device that iscommunicatively coupled to the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragmpump, wherein the computer device comprises, a processor; and amachine-readable medium having program code executable by the processorto cause the computer device to determine a volume output from the fluidoutlet of the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump during adefined time period based on the counter value and the pump cycle volumeof the chemical fluid in at least one of each pump cycle and each halfpump cycle.
 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a flowmeterthat is coupled to receive the fluid being output from the fluid outletof the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump, wherein the flowmeteris to measure a volume output from the fluid outlet of the pneumaticallypowered, dual diaphragm pump during the defined time period.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the machine-readable medium comprisesprogram code executable by the processor to cause the computer device tovalidate operation of at least one of the liquid additive pump and theflowmeter, in response to a difference between the volume output fromthe fluid outlet of the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump andthe volume output measured by the flowmeter during the defined timeperiod being within a volume differential threshold.
 14. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump includesa pulse generator to generate a pulse after each pump cycle, and whereinthe pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump is to output a pump cyclevolume of the fluid through the fluid outlet for each pump cycle,wherein the system further comprises a computer device that comprises, aprocessor; a machine-readable medium having program code executable bythe processor to cause the system to determine a volume output from thefluid outlet of the pneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump based ona number of pulses generated and the pump cycle volume of the fluid ineach pump cycle; and a flowmeter that is coupled to measure a volumeoutput from the fluid outlet of the pneumatically powered, dualdiaphragm pump, wherein the program code comprises program codeexecutable by the processor to cause the system to validate operation ofat least one of the liquid additive pump and the flowmeter, in responseto a difference between the volume output from the fluid outlet of thepneumatically powered, dual diaphragm pump and the volume outputmeasured by the flowmeter being within a volume differential threshold.15. A method comprising: connecting a fluid inlet of a dual diaphragmpump to a chemical fluid source with a first fluid conduit; connecting afluid outlet of the dual diaphragm pump to a fluid inlet of a liquidadditive pump with a second fluid conduit; connecting a fluid outlet ofthe liquid additive pump to a fluid inlet of a blender; and connectingan outlet of the blender to a tubular string in a wellbore with a thirdfluid conduit.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:initiating a hydraulic fracturing operation of the wellbore using ahydraulic fracturing fluid that is output from the blender and that isbased, at least in part; on a chemical fluid from the chemical fluidsource received via a fluid outlet of the liquid additive pump, whereininitiating the hydraulic fracturing operation comprises, pneumaticpowering of the dual diaphragm pump through a pneumatic power inlet ofthe dual diaphragm pump, wherein in response to pneumatic powering ofthe dual diaphragm pump and in response to a pressure at the outlet ofthe dual diaphragm pump being less than a pressure at the pneumaticpower inlet, the chemical fluid flows from the fluid outlet of the dualdiaphragm to the fluid inlet of the liquid additive pump to prime theliquid additive pump; powering the liquid additive pump, wherein inresponse to powering the liquid additive pump, the chemical fluid isoutput from the liquid additive pump and into a fluid inlet of theblender; and powering the blender to output the hydraulic fracturingfluid from the outlet of the blender.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the dual diaphragm primp includes a cycle counter, wherein themethod comprises, communicatively coupling the cycle counter to acomputer device; connecting a flowmeter to receive fluid output from thefluid outlet of the dual diaphragm pump; and communicatively couplingthe flowmeter to the computer device.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising: retrieving, by the computer device, a counter valueof the cycle counter during a defined time period and a pump cyclevolume of the chemical fluid in each pump cycle of the dual diaphragmpump; and determining, by the computer device, a first volume outputfrom the fluid outlet of the dual diaphragm pump during the defined timeperiod based on the counter value and the pump cycle volume of thechemical fluid in each pump cycle of the dual diaphragm pump.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, further comprising: measuring, by the flowmeter, asecond volume output from the fluid outlet of the dual diaphragm pumpduring the defined time period; retrieving, by the computer device, thesecond volume output; and validating, by the computer device, operationof at least one of the liquid additive pump and the flowmeter, inresponse to a difference between the first volume output and the secondvolume output being within a volume differential threshold.
 20. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the dual diaphragm pump includes a pulsegenerator to generate a pulse after each pump cycle, wherein the methodcomprises, communicatively coupling the pulse generator to a computerdevice; connecting a flowmeter to receive fluid output from the fluidoutlet of the dual diaphragm pump; communicatively coupling theflowmeter to the computer device; and receiving, by the computer device,a number of pulses from the pulse generator and a pump cycle volume ofthe chemical fluid in each pump cycle of the dual diaphragm pump;determining, by the computer device, a first volume output from thefluid outlet of the dual diaphragm pump based on the number of pulsesand the pump cycle volume of the chemical fluid in each pump cycle ofthe dual diaphragm pump; measuring, by the flowmeter, a second volumeoutput from the fluid outlet of the dual diaphragm pump; receiving, bythe computer device, the second volume output; and validating, by thecomputer device, operation of the liquid additive pump, in response to adifference between the first volume output and the second volume outputbeing within a volume differential threshold.